For many of us, pizza isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. But if you’re wearing braces, you might wonder, Can You Eat Pizza with Braces? if your orthodontic journey means saying goodbye to your favorite cheesy indulgence. Good news: But the good news is that you can eat pizza with braces! The secret is in understanding how to make the right choices in a way that will make sure your smile and your food remain unharmed.
In this article, we will discuss how to consume pizza with braces, the recommended types of pizza to order, and some guidelines to follow to maintain good oral health even when eating this world’s most loved dish. If you are in search of orthodontic tips or simply trying to figure out how to eat better with braces, we’ve got you.
Table of Contents
Why Braces and Certain Foods Don’t Always Mix
Braces are delicate structures designed to realign your teeth and improve your smile. However, as the saying goes, ‘with great power comes great responsibility’—some foods are a nightmare for braces. Candy, nuts, apples, corn on the cob, and sticky foods can bend or break brackets and wires, which will require additional visits and more time in braces.
Pizza is not a complete no-no but not every slice of pizza is healthy for you. Let’s break down the main issues braces wearers might face with pizza:
- Hard Crusts: Thin crusts or pizzas with crispy edges or thick and deep-dish pizzas with hard corners can twist the wires or make the brackets come off.
- Stringy Cheese: Who wouldn’t want to pull a cheese string out of a perfectly baked pizza? However, stringy cheese is a nightmare when it comes to cleaning your teeth, especially if you are wearing braces.
- Tough Toppings: Toppings that are chunky or hard, such as pepperoni or raw vegetables, are more likely to cause harm to your braces since they will need you to chew them.
Can You Eat Pizza with Braces?
The Right Way to Eat Pizza with Braces
Picking up pizza while in braces does not have to be a dangerous affair, as long as the following tips are followed. By making smart choices, you can indulge while safeguarding your orthodontic progress.
1. Pick a Soft Crust Pizza
Soft crust is your way to go if you want to have a braces-friendly pizza. Forget about thin, crispy crusts or a thick, firm deep-dish bottom. However, go for pan pizzas or soft hand-touched pizzas rather than thin-crust ones. These are not hard on the braces and are easy to chew.
If you want another level of customization, you can cook your pizza at home, and adjust the dough’s density to your preference.
2. Choose the Right Toppings
When it comes to toppings, soft and easy-to-chew options are your best bet. Focus on ingredients that don’t require excessive effort to break down.
Braces-Friendly Pizza Toppings:
- Cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Shredded chicken, ground turkey, or soft-cooked sausage.
- Well-melted cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
Toppings to Avoid:
- Hard meats like pepperoni, salami, or crispy bacon.
- Crunchy vegetables like raw onions or bell peppers.
- Sticky or chewy extras like caramelized onions or pineapple.
3. Cut Your Pizza into Bite-Sized Pieces
Biting into a whole slice of pizza can put unnecessary pressure on your brackets. Instead, use a fork and knife to cut your slice into smaller, manageable pieces. This minimizes stress on your teeth and braces while still letting you enjoy every bite.
4. Chew with Your Back Teeth
Your front teeth are more vulnerable to pressure and damage from tough foods. By chewing with your back teeth, you can reduce the risk of loosening brackets or bending wires. It’s a small adjustment that makes a big difference.
Keeping Your Braces Clean After Eating Pizza
Pizza may be delicious, but it’s notorious for leaving behind sticky cheese and sauces. After indulging, proper cleaning is critical to prevent plaque buildup and cavities. Here’s how to keep your braces sparkling clean:
- Rinse Your Mouth with Water
Immediately after eating, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge food particles stuck around your braces. - Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly
Use an orthodontic toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around each bracket and wire. Spend extra time on areas where food might be trapped. - Floss Like a Pro
Flossing with braces can be tricky, but tools like floss threaders or water flossers make the process much easier. Floss carefully to remove debris lodged between your teeth. - Use an Interdental Brush
These small brushes are perfect for cleaning between brackets and wires. They’re an excellent tool for ensuring your braces are spotless after eating pizza.
Creative Pizza Alternatives for Braces Wearers
If you’re worried about traditional pizza causing trouble, consider these braces-friendly alternatives:
- Pizza Bowls
Skip the crust entirely and load up a bowl with your favorite pizza toppings. Think marinara sauce, melted cheese, and soft-cooked veggies. - Flatbread Pizza
Use soft flatbread as a base—it’s less crunchy and easier to chew than standard pizza crust. - Pizza-Stuffed Peppers
Hollow out a bell pepper, stuff it with pizza ingredients, and bake until tender. This low-carb option is delicious and braces-safe.
A Few Fun Pizza Facts
- Did you know pizza has been a global favorite for centuries? Its origins trace back to 18th-century Naples, Italy.
- Americans eat an average of 350 slices of pizza every second. That’s a lot of cheese!
- The most expensive pizza in the world costs over $12,000. It’s topped with rare caviar, lobster, and edible gold. (Safe to say, braces or no braces, we’ll stick to the basics!)
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Pizza Without Compromise
Braces don’t mean you have to bid farewell to your favorite foods. With the right choices—soft crusts, braces-friendly toppings, and smaller bites—you can still savor the joy of pizza night. Just remember to clean your braces thoroughly afterward and avoid risky toppings that could damage your orthodontic work.
So, grab a fork, slice up your pizza, and enjoy responsibly. Your braces journey might last a while, but that doesn’t mean your love for pizza has to wait!
References
- American Association of Orthodontists. What Can You Eat With Braces? Retrieved from aaoinfo.org.
- Colgate. Braces and Foods to Avoid. Retrieved from colgate.com.
- WebMD. Caring for Your Braces. Retrieved from webmd.com.
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